Personal Narrative Essay Format & Example
Paragraph #1-The Introduction
1. Begin with an attention grabber that captures your reader's interest.
Ex: Sometimes it takes something terrible to realize what is important in life.
Paragraph #2-4 Body Paragraphs-Your story.
1. Begin each paragraph with a topic sentence. Begin this sentence with a TRANSITION that
show the order that the events occurred (First, Later, In the end, Second, Third, etc.) and the
details of your story.
Examples:
The day first began like any other day.
Later that day, my sister began to feel worse and my family and I began to worry.
After a day of much distress, my sister finally began to feel better.
1. This is where you tell your story. Just like any story you read, you need to make sure to have
a clear beginning, middle, and an end. Make sure to describe people and places involved
with vivid details.
Paragraph #5: The Conclusion
The Conclusion is just as important as the Introduction; It is the last impression your reader will get
of your story.
1. Begin by re-stressing the importance of your thesis. Be careful not to use the same wording.
Example: Although the day my sister fell ill was a horrible day for my family, it made us all
realize how important we are to each other.
1. Summarize the basic events of your story.
Reflect on the larger meaning or importance of the experience described. Basically, what was the
point of your story? Explain the new understanding and why/how this experience or event has a
permanent effect on you.